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Colin Gilboy
Senior Member
Username: colin

Post Number: 170
Registered: 09-2005


Posted on Saturday, February 07, 2009 - 11:56 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

[moved from other forum]

joel

This isn't really a spec issue, but I'm hoping some of you may be able to help...

Does anyone have any experience with daylight modelling programs? I looked into Radiance and Desktop Radiance, but it seems to work only with AutoCAD R14 and 2000, and I seriously doubt we have any copies left of either...

We're not looking to do anything particularly crazy, but are interested in looking at the effect light shelves would have on designs we're working on. We also would need to see lighting levels on various surfaces (teacher and student desks, kitchen tables, etc.)

I've heard there are some plugins for VIZ renderer?

Obviously cheap/free programs would be preferred, but I'll pay for something that will save us time.

Any advice/stories would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
----------------

steve

You can use Sketchup with the Radiance plugin
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joyce

Controlled daylighting is probably the most productive green technique, not just in schools, but in any construction. AGi32, by Lighting Analysts out of Littleton, CO is the most accurate daylight & elec. light modelling program available. It imports dwg & dxf files in 2d or 3d. It can analyze every detail of your model including vtc of glass and reflectances of every contributing exterior & interior surface - including light shelves. Ideally, you want someone in your firm to specialize in this program for every project. It will help you site buildings better and zone your electric lighting so you can turn off the redundant light. Weekly practice to keep skills up is essential. Email me if you need any additional assistance.
Joyce Kelly, LC, LEED AP, Assoc. AIA
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jjkelly

Default Daylight Modelling software: What to Look For
Things to look for in daylight modelling software depending on accuracy desired.
Ability to enter latitude of building as well as date & time of day.
Ability to enter SHGC and Solar Shading of glass based on manufacturers' data.
Ability to turn on or off the electric lighting component of your model.
Some also automatically generate Daylight & Views calcs. for LEED

It was pointed out that I may have blinders on re: lighting software. I don't know for certain that the package I use is the best option for all needs. It works for me and I'm getting constant contract work because of what it does.

What it doesn't do... import complex models from ArchiCAD easily. It deals with AutoCAD models quite well. Deleting door handles and window frames from an ArchiCAD model saved as 3dStudio then sucked into AutoCAD for cleanup gave me many more gray hairs. There may be a way to save the original model to simplify this but it was long distance work and I couldn't look over the Architect's shoulder.
Colin Gilboy
Publisher, 4specs.com
435.654.5775 - Utah
800.369.8008

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